“There was 28 Maltese type mixed dogs, small breed dogs,” said Manatee County Animal Services Enforcement Supervisor Joel Richmond adding, the dogs were “overall dirty but we believe they can be cleaned up and nursed back to great health.”

Animal Services responded to the home on 35 Street West in Bradenton and found the dogs and elderly couple living terrible conditions which included floors covered in urine and feces. Even though the dogs were in bad condition the couple will not face any charges.

“At this time we determined that no criminal charges will be filed due to the fact that we do not believe there is any criminal intent, just the simple fact that they became over whelmed and over burdened with the amount of animals,” said Richmond.

The couple voluntarily gave up their rights to the dogs, which were then sent to three local rescue agencies including Honor Animal Rescue in Lakewood Ranch.

“This kind of thing is more common than we would like it to be. It is certainly not something that happens every day but it is something that happens too much,” said Associate Director Karen Slomba.

“Usually the people involved have good intentions. They care for the animals to the best of their abilities but they spin out of control and they get overwhelmed and the animals are the ones that suffer because of it.”

Honor Animal Rescue is caring for 11 of the rescued dogs. The dog will live in foster homes until they receive all their needed medical care when they will be placed up for adoption.

The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch and Certified Pre-owned Dogs in St. Petersburg are caring for the remaining 28 dogs.